Sail Training International is pleased to be able to provide a range of funds that support the continued delivery and development of sail training around the world. As a part of this support, we are pleased to be able to provide the Sail Training International Research Fund 2027.
Research is vital to the ongoing development of sail training. It informs our practice, shows our strengths and weaknesses, provides empirical evidence of our outcomes, identifies new outcomes and shows where these outcomes can be strengthened and improved.
The Research Fund aims to support small research programmes that look at sail training, its associated programs and outcomes, wider maritime heritage, and/or education at sea. In total £10,000 has been set aside for projects that will be completed before October 2027.
The deadline for full applications to the 2027 funding round has now passed. However, Expressions of Interest (EOIs) remain open and can still be submitted for 2028 projects.
The next funding round for projects taking place in 2028 will launch in Spring 2027, so please keep an eye on our website and social media channels for the latest updates and application information.
Expressions of Interest are now being accepted for the 2028 fund. Projects must be sail training in nature and scheduled to take place during 2028.
EOIs submitted for the 2028 fund will be held on file until the funding programme launches in Spring 2027.
Grant Timeline
| Deadline for Expressions of Interest | 31st July 2026 |
| Expression of Interest assessment deadline | 30th August 2026 |
| Deadline for Applications | 30th September 2026 |
| Grant decisions announced | November 2026 |
| End of project Research Paper submitted by | 14th October 2027 |
Who Can Apply?
We welcome applications from non-profit research individuals or organisations around the world that are seeking to engage in sail training related research over the ensuing 12 months. Organisations can be individuals, sail training operators, schools, National Sail Training Organisations or land-based agencies/organisations. You can apply for funding to implement new projects or to continue research that is due to take place in 2026. Grants can be used to fund personnel, equipment, and other direct expenses essential to achieving the outcomes of the research, as well as staff or volunteer training essential to the research project.
Funds will be allocated to research projects according to merit and their capacity to assist the sail training community in their life changing activities.
LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION?
There is a body of independent academic research validating the power and value of sail training in the personal development of young people.
A selection of these studies can be downloaded here via our Hosted Research page, and you can access a directory of academic studies and articles hosted by different institutions and publications via our Research Directory.
Research Directory
Find academic research articles focusing on sail training from academic institutions and publications.
